AUBURN HILLS — There is an old expression of “you have to learn to crawl before you can walk.”

For the South Dakota State men’s basketball team, it believes it learned to crawl last year in its first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament.

The Jackrabbits, as a 14 seed, lost to third-seeded Baylor, 68-60, in their March Madness debut. That experience, according to the coaches and players, could pay dividends when South Dakota State faces Michigan in the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament, Thursday at 7:15 p.m. at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

“It’s our second time. I think this time it’s a little less overwhelming for us,” South Dakota State coach Scott Nagy said. “The stage is big and we know that. It’s bigger than what we’re generally used to, but I think last year was very emotional for me and for some of our players and staff. This year it’s less emotional. It feels a little bit more like business, and less overwhelming. So we’re thrilled to be here. We know we’re playing a great basketball team, but I know that our players are excited. We’ve had good practices this week and we’re just ready to go.”

Advertisement

Business-like was indeed the best way to describe the Jackrabbits throughout Wednesday, as they were fully prepared for what to expect leading up to Thursday’s contest.

“Last year was a first time for all of us. You know, we’d just experienced the NCAA tournament by watching it on TV. Then last year, you know, it was our first year, kind of the bright lights, the big stage, it was kind of new for all of us,” South Dakota State senior forward Tony Fiegen said. “Like (Nagy) touched on this year, it does feel a little bit like a business trip, you know, because we’re coming here to play well.”

Michigan also knows the experience of being knocked out of the tournament in its first game, as the Wolverines were upset by Ohio in the 2012 tournament, 65-60. Just like last year, Michigan finds itself as a No. 4 seed against the 13th-seeded Jackrabbits.

A large part of this year’s Michigan team is making its first NCAA tournament appearance, as the Wolverines rely heavily on six freshmen that didn’t take part in last year’s disappointing loss to the Bobcats.

Despite being a young team in age, Michigan coach John Beilein feels his team has gained a lot of valuable experience through playing a rigorous Big Ten schedule.

“Time will tell how we all do, I’ve got to think we’re going to be very successful based on the way we did in December outside our conference,” Beilein said. “(The Big Ten) was a war this year… it reminded me of the best years in the Big East and the best years here, that there were so many teams that were not rebuilding.”

Thursday night’s meeting has been hyped up around the matchup between Michigan guard Trey Burke and South Dakota State guard Nate Wolters, both of whom are among the top players in the country. However, the key to the game could be in the role players for both teams. The Jackrabbits have three players aside from Wolters that average double figures in scoring and Michigan has the trio of Tim Hardaway Jr., Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III that combine for more than 36 points per game.

“While some people may be looking at a matchup of (Burke and Wolters), both of them get their teammates open,” Beilein said. “Those guys making those shots will probably determine as much of that matchup between those two really fine players.”

Michigan has the added benefit of playing close to home. The Wolverines were 17-1 at Crisler Center this season. While The Palace isn’t Crisler Center, it is the next-best thing at this time of the year.

“It’s really good for our fans to be close by here. I’m sure we’re going to have a good crowd of Michigan fans,” Beilein said. “It is good. The travel’s easier, the whole thing, but once the ball goes up, it won’t mean anything. We have to play really good basketball.”